Golf instruction system and method

ABSTRACT

A golf instruction campus. There is: a first field, having a first length; a second field, having a second length; a third field, having a third length; a fourth field, having a fourth length; and a fifth field, having a fifth length. A ratio of the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the second length over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4. A ratio of the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. Each of the third field, the fourth field, and the fifth field include a plurality of distance markers, configured to mark distance. There is also a field barrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to golf, specifically golf instructionsystems and methods.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the general area of sport performance there is a variety ofinformation directed to improving one's performance while participatingin a sport. In particular, instruction to golf players often focuses onimproving the physical and mental skills of the player. Physical skillsinvolve some kind of controlled effort, such as those performed with thearms, hands, and legs. In addition, the mental skills of a golf playerare generally recognized as important to the player's achievements onthe golf course. Mental skills of a golf player often includeconfidence, focus, and knowledge of one's own capabilities.Consequently, a golf player often improves his or her physical andmental skills by researching and performing controlled effort tasks,such as swinging a golf club, and receiving feedback on those tasks.

Accordingly, golf instruction is often provided in materials such asbooks, pamphlets, magazines, as well as on Web sites. Further, manyattempts have been made to develop systems and methods which permit theteaching or training of physical and mental skills for golf. Theteaching of golf is representative of the type of physical skill inwhich it is extremely difficult for students to learn even from onehaving an exceptionally good skill set. More specifically, learning toperfect a golf swing is a challenge for most golfers, even under thetraining of the most experienced golf professionals. As a result, mostmethods of golf instruction utilize some kind of feedback mechanism sothat the golfer can visualize how to make changes in his or her swing tomore closely approximate a desired golf swing.

However, while golf instruction information may provide insight into atechnique used in golf, it is not directed to specific individualshaving specific needs or specific physical limitations. Also, it may bedifficult to find a location and/or equipment to apply the techniquesdescribed in instruction materials. Some improvements have been made inthe field. Examples include but are not limited to the referencesdescribed below, which references are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2005/0026124, by Havaleschka,discloses a system for training the mental golfing skills of a golfplayer. A method of training mental golfing skills is disclosed, bywhich the player in a structured manner plays a golf course following aset of instructions containing directions of a mental exercise, i.e. anexercise to train mental golfing skills, to be performed when playingmost of or all holes. The player attempts to follow the instructions andperform the mental exercise, evaluates his or hers degree of success infollowing the instructions and assigns a score for that holeaccordingly. When the player has finished playing the holes of the golfcourse, a total score may be calculated and compared to the previous andfuture scores. Thus, a systematic method of training a player's mentalgolfing skills and providing a systematically obtained grade or totalscore for the outcome of the training effort is provided. Furthermore isdisclosed a golf scorecard for assisting golf players in training theirmental golfing skills while playing a round on a golf course, a methodof providing such golf scorecard, and a method as well as an automaticsystem for estimating the mental golfing skills of a golf player.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,339, issued to Di Mare et al., discloses a sportperformance evaluation method and system. The method includes storing auser-defined physical profile, displaying a set of images where eachimage in the set depicts a different variation of an element ofimperfect sport performance, and selecting at least one image in the setmost closely depicting an element of imperfect sport performanceexhibited by a user who is associated with the user-defined physicalprofile. The method also includes diagnosing at least one cause for theimperfect sport performance based upon the stored at least one selectedimage ant the stored user-defined physical profile. The system caninclude a user-defined physical profile and at least one set of imagesdepicting an element of imperfect sport performance where each image inthe set depicts a different variation of the element. The system canalso include at least one data repository and at least one computingdevice.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,684, issued to Brostedt et al., discloses a systemand method for the teaching of physical skill such as golf by the use ofvideo reproduction utilizes a reverse image video on a pair of videoglasses. The student does not have to perform a mental right-lefttranslation when viewing the instructor.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2003/0036042, by Hill,discloses a method of teaching an individual to program their mind tofollow a voluntary personal behavior plan that helps to achieve apredetermined goal. Provides a set of rules and techniques that theindividual use to select and follow a personal behavior plan. Instructsthe individual to make a promise to follow the selected behavior plan. Ameans of incentive is provided for the individual to keep the promisethat helps them withstand considerable temptations to do otherwise.Whereby, when the individual makes the promise to follow the behaviorplan, they can reach and maintain a state of mind in which they fullyintend to follow the plan, which programs or alters activities of theirmind and body to help succeed in following the plan and reach thepredetermined goal.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,343, issued to Densky, discloses a method ofconditioning a person's unconscious mind in order to effect a desiredchange in the person's behavior which does not require the services of atrained therapist. Instead, the person to be treated views a program ofvideo pictures appearing on a screen. The program as viewed by theperson's unconscious mind acts to condition the person's though patternsin a manner which alters that person's behavior in a positive way.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages,which include: having ineffective instruction; having ineffectiveresults; having incomplete instruction; not having universality; notbeing adaptable; being inadequate; not providing a practice location;and/or being difficult to apply to different persons.

What is needed is a golf instruction system and method that solves oneor more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problemsthat may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becomingfamiliar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable sport instruction systems and methods. Accordingly, thepresent invention has been developed to provide a sport instructionsystem and method for golf.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a golf instruction campusfor providing golf instruction, including: a first field, which may bedisposed on the campus, having a first length; a second field, which maybe disposed on the campus, having a second length; a third field, whichmay be disposed on the campus, having a third length; a fourth field,which may be disposed on the campus, having a fourth length; and/or afifth field, which may be disposed on the campus, having a fifth length.A ratio of the first length over the second length may be no greaterthan about 0.4 to about 0.6; a ratio of the second length over the thirdlength may be no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4; a ratio of thethird length over the fourth length may be no greater than about 0.4 toabout 0.6; and/or a ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length maybe no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. In addition, each of thethird field, the fourth field, and/or the fifth field include aplurality of distance markers, configured to mark distance.

In another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campusincludes a field barrier, which may be disposed on the campus,configured to prevent objects from crossing from one field to anadjacent field. In still another embodiment of the invention, the golfinstruction campus includes an audio data provider module, which may bedisposed on the campus, configured to provide audio data of golfinstruction. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the golfinstruction campus includes a video data provider module, which may bedisposed on the campus, configured to provide video data of an examplegolf swing. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the golfinstruction campus includes a video data recorder module, which may bedisposed on the campus, in communication with the video data providermodule, configured to record video data of a golf swing.

In even another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campusincludes a control module, which may be disposed on the campus, incommunication with the video data provider module, configured to controlthe video data provider module. In even still another embodiment of theinvention, the golf instruction campus includes a portable media playermodule, in communication with the video data provider module, configuredto play audio and/or video data. In even yet another embodiment of theinvention, the golf instruction campus includes a payment acceptancemodule, in communication with the video data provider module, configuredto accept payment.

In an additional embodiment of the invention, the golf instructioncampus includes a sixth field, which may be disposed on the campus;and/or a seventh field, which may be disposed on the campus. The sixthfield may include sand and/or the seventh field may include a puttinggreen. In still an additional embodiment of the invention, the golfinstruction campus includes a wellness facility, which may be disposedon the campus, configured to provide a facility for the provision ofwellness.

In yet an additional embodiment of the invention, there is a method forproviding golf instruction, comprising the following steps: swinging agolf club head to ankle height to hit a ball on a first field having afirst length; swinging a golf club head to knee height to hit a ball ona second field having a second length; swinging a golf club head to hipheight to hit a ball on a third field having a third length; swinging agolf club head to shoulder height to hit a ball on a fourth field havinga fourth length; and/or swinging a golf club head to above shoulderheight to hit a ball on a fifth field having a fifth length. A ratio ofthe first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 toabout 0.6; a ratio of the second length over the third length is nogreater than about 0.2 to about 0.4; a ratio of the third length overthe fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; and/or aratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater thanabout 0.65 to about 0.85. In still yet an additional embodiment of theinvention, the method for providing golf instruction includes the stepof listening to golf instruction provided by an audio data providermodule.

In even an additional embodiment of the invention, the method forproviding golf instruction includes viewing an example golf swing on avideo data provider module. In even still an additional embodiment ofthe invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes:recording a swing of a golf club with a video data recorder module;and/or viewing the swing of the golf club on the video data providermodule. In even yet an additional embodiment of the invention, the swingof the golf club is viewed simultaneously with the example golf swing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golfinstruction includes downloading video data from the video data providermodule to a portable media player module. In still a further embodimentof the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includesselecting a mode of the video data provider module by touching a displayscreen of the video data provider module. In yet a further embodiment ofthe invention, the method for providing golf instruction includesswinging a golf club on a sixth field. The sixth field may include sand.

In still yet a further embodiment of the invention, the method forproviding golf instruction includes swinging a golf club on a seventhfield. The seventh field may include a putting green. In even a furtherembodiment of the invention, swinging a golf club on a seventh fieldincludes: swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at ahole for a golf ball; and/or swinging a golf club on a seventh fieldwith closed eyes.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, amore particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawing(s). Understanding that thesedrawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a golf instruction campus, according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a golf instruction campus, according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a golf instruction method, according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a golf instruction method, according to oneembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a golf instruction method, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andany additional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, orcomponent parts of the same or different illustrated invention.Additionally, reference to the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, fortwo or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features arerelated, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term “an embodiment,”or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optionalfeatures, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.

Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of anyother statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identicallanguage characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodimentis identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment isindependent of any other embodiments characterized by the language“another embodiment.” The independent embodiments are considered to beable to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claimsand/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly orexplicitly.

Finally, the fact that the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, doesnot appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, suchas is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience forthe reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this applicationto incorporate by reference the phrasing “an embodiment,” and the like,at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible andappropriate.

Many of the functional units described in this specification have beenlabeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize theirimplementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented asa hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified module of executable code may, forinstance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object,procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identifiedmodule need not be physically located together, but may comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joinedlogically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purposefor the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and may even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated hereinwithin modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organizedwithin any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may becollected as a single data set, or may be distributed over differentlocations including over different storage devices, and may exist, atleast partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements ormethod steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the morerestrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

As illustrated by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is a golf instruction campus100 for providing golf instruction. As shown, the golf instructioncampus 100 has a first field 102, a second field 104, a third field 106,a fourth field 108, and a fifth field 110. In one embodiment of theinvention, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 include a fairwayand/or a green for hitting a golf ball. Also shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, thefirst field 102 has a first length 112, the second field has a secondlength 114, the third field 106 has a third length 116, the fourth field108 has a fourth length 118, and the fifth field 110 has a fifth length120. In one embodiment of the invention, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108,and 110 increase in length 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120, so that thesecond length 114 is greater than the first length 112, the third length116 is greater than the second length 114, the fourth length 118 isgreater than the third length 116, and the fifth length 120 is greaterthan the fourth length 118.

In another embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the first length 112over the second length 114 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 orabout 0.5 to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In anadditional embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the second length 114over the third length 116 is no greater than about 0.1 or about 0.2 orabout 0.3 to less than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5. In a furtherembodiment of the invention, a ratio of the third length 116 over thefourth length 118 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In even anotherembodiment of the invention, a ratio of the fourth length 118 over thefifth length 120 is no greater than about 0.55 or about 0.65 or about0.75 to less than about 0.75 or about 0.85 or about 0.95. For example,in one embodiment of the invention the first length 112 could be fifteenyards, the second length 114 could be thirty yards, the third length 116could be one hundred yards, the fourth length 118 could be one hundredand eighty-seven yards, and the fifth length 120 could be two hundredand fifty yards.

Additionally illustrated by FIG. 1, each of the third field 106, thefourth field 108, and the fifth field 110 include a plurality ofdistance markers 122. In one embodiment of the invention, the distancemarkers 122 are configured to mark distance. For example, the distancemarkers could be colored objects disposed along lengths 116, 1118, and120 of the fields 106, 108, and 110.

In one embodiment of the invention, the third field 106 has distancemarkers 122 which mark distances of fifty, seventy-five, and one hundredyards along the third length 116. In another embodiment of theinvention, the fourth field 108 has distance markers 122 which markdistances of seventy-five, one hundred, one hundred and thirty-one, onehundred and fifty, and one hundred and eighty-seven yards along thefourth length 118. In an additional embodiment of the invention, thefifth field 110 has distance markers 122 which mark distances of onehundred, one hundred and fifty, one hundred and seventy-five, twohundred, and two-hundred and fifty yards along the fifth length 120.

Also shown by FIG. 1, there is a field barrier 124 disposed on the golfinstruction campus 100 between each of the fields 102, 104, 106, 108,110. In one embodiment of the invention, the field barrier 124 isconfigured to prevent objects from crossing from one field to anadjacent field. For example, the field barrier 124 could be a net whichprevents golf balls hit on one field from landing on an adjacent fieldand causing injury.

Further, FIG. 1 illustrates a sixth field 126 and a seventh field 128disposed on the golf instruction campus 100. In one embodiment of theinvention, the sixth field 126 includes sand 132. For example, the sixthfield 126 could be a bunker. In another embodiment of the invention, theseventh field 128 includes a putting green 134.

More, illustrated according to FIG. 1, there is a wellness facility 130disposed on the golf instruction campus 100. In one embodiment of theinvention, the wellness facility 130 is configured to provide a facilityfor the provision of wellness, such as the promotion of health,including preventing illness and prolonging life. For example, thewellness facility 130 may include centers, such as, but not limited to:a juice bar, a massage therapy center, an office center, a meetingcenter, and locker-rooms.

As shown according to illustrated FIG. 2, the golf instruction campus100 has an audio data provider module 200. In one embodiment of theinvention, the audio data provider module 200 is configured to provideaudio data of golf instruction. For example, the audio data providermodule 200 may be such as the Phillips Portable MP3/CD Player (EXP 2561)available athttp://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Portable-MP3-CD-Player-EXP2561/sem/rpsm/oid/145210/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do.Further, in another embodiment of the invention, there may be an audiodata provider module 200 disposed on each field 102, 104, 106, 108, 110of the golf instruction campus 100.

Additionally shown by FIG. 2, is a video data provider module 202disposed on the golf instruction campus 100. In one embodiment of theinvention, the video data provider module 202 is configured to providevideo data of an example of a golf swing. For example, the video dataprovider module 202 may be a digital video disc player such as thedigital video disc system of the Bose Lifestyle 48 Home EntertainmentSystem available athttp://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=ls48_dvd_index&ck=0.Similarly, the video data provider module 202 may include software, suchas Windows Media Player 11 available athttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/alldownloads.aspx.

More, FIG. 2 illustrates a video data recorder module 204, a controlmodule 206, a portable media player module 208, and a payment acceptancemodule each in communication with the video data provider module 202. Inone embodiment of the invention, the video data recorder module 204 isconfigured to record video data of a golf swing. For example the videodata recorder module 204 may be a camcorder such as the Canon ZR600available athttp://www.buyersedge.com/Browse/ProductCategoryBrowse.asp?catID=218&FLT=|527-52845|.Also, in one embodiment of the invention, the control module 206 isconfigured to control the video data provider module 202. For example,the control module 206 could include: an On/Off switch, a play button, aforward button, a reverse button, a repeat button, a record button, astop button, a remote control, and so on.

In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, the portable mediaplayer module 208 is configured to play audio and video data. Forexample, the portable media player module 208 could be an mp3 player oran iPOD, such as the iPOD nano available athttp://www.apple.com/itunes/. Similarly, the portable media playermodule 208 could be any device having Bluetooth wireless connectivitytechnology found at www.bluetooth.com. More, in one embodiment of theinvention, the payment acceptance module 210 is configured to acceptpayment. For example, the payment acceptance module 210 may be such asthe payment acceptance devices available athttp://www.e3india.com/smartvend/smartvend-PAM.html, which includes acoin operated vending machine, a smart card operated vending machine, ora Mobile GSM operated vending machine.

Also shown, according to illustrated FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, thereis a method for providing golf instruction. As illustrated, the methodfor providing golf instruction includes swinging a golf club head atvarious heights on a field 300, to hit a ball, such as a golf ball, onthe field 300. In particular, the method includes: swinging a golf clubhead to ankle height to hit a ball on a first field having a firstlength 302; swinging a golf club head to knee height to hit a ball on asecond field having a second length 304; swinging a golf club head tohip height to hit a ball on a third field having a third length 306;swinging a golf club head to shoulder height to hit a ball on a fourthfield having a fourth length 308; and swinging a golf club head to aboveshoulder height to hit a ball on a fifth field having a fifth length310.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fields 302, 304, 306, 308, and310 increase in length, so that the second length 304 is greater thanthe first length 302, the third length 306 is greater than the secondlength 304, the fourth length 308 is greater than the third length 306,and the fifth length 310 is greater than the fourth length 308. Inanother embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the first length 302over the second length 304 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 orabout 0.5 to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In anadditional embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the second length 304over the third length 306 is no greater than about 0.1 or about 0.2 orabout 0.3 to less than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5. In a furtherembodiment of the invention, a ratio of the third length 306 over thefourth length 308 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In even anotherembodiment of the invention, a ratio of the fourth length 308 over thefifth length 310 is no greater than about 0.55 or about 0.65 or about0.75 to less than about 0.75 or about 0.85 or about 0.95.

Additionally, as illustrated, by FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the method forproviding golf instruction includes: swinging a golf club on a sixthfield including sand 312; and swinging a golf club on a seventh fieldincluding a putting green 314. For example, the sixth field includingsand 312 may be a bunker. Also, in one embodiment of the invention,swinging a golf club on a seventh field including a putting green 314includes: swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at ahole for a golf ball 400; and swinging a golf club on a seventh fieldwith closed eyes 402. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention,the step of swinging a golf club on a seventh field including a puttinggreen 314 may include: swinging a golf club on a seventh field whilelooking at a golf ball 314; swinging a golf club on a seventh fieldwhile looking at a golf ball and looking at a hole for a golf ball 400;swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at a golf ball,looking at a hole for a golf ball, and with closed eyes 402; andswinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at a golf ball314.

Moreover, as shown by FIG. 5 the method for providing golf instructionincludes selecting a mode of the video data provider module by touchinga display screen 500. For example, a user may select a mode of the videodata provider module by touching a display screen 500, such as the touchmonitor of the 1529L LCD Touchcomputer available athttp://www.elotouch.com/Products/Computers/default.asp. Also, the methodfor providing golf instruction includes viewing an example of a golfswing on a video data provider module 502 and listening to golfinstruction provided by an audio data provider module 504. For example,a user may view an example of a golf swing on a video data providermodule 502, such as a digital video disc player such as the digitalvideo disc system of the Bose Lifestyle 48 Home Entertainment Systemavailable athttp://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=ls48_dvd_index&ck=0.Similarly, the video data provider module may include software, such asWindows Media Player 11 available athttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/alldownloads.aspx.Further, a user may listen to golf instruction provided by an audio dataprovider module 504, such as the Phillips Portable MP3/CD Player (EXP2561) available athttp://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Portable-MP3-CD-Player-EXP2561/sem/rpsm/oid/145210/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do.

Also, the illustrated method for providing golf instruction includesswinging a golf club to hit a ball on a field 300. For example, a usercould swing a golf club on a first field having a first length 302, asecond field having a second length 304, a third field having a thirdlength 306, a fourth field having a fourth length 308, a fifth fieldhaving a fifth length 310, a sixth field including sand 312, or aseventh field including a putting green 314. In addition, the method forproviding golf instruction includes recording a swing of a golf clubwith a video data recorder module 506. For example, a user could recorda swing of a golf club with a video data recorder module 506, such as acamcorder such as the Canon ZR600 available athttp://www.buyersedge.com/Browse/ProductCategoryBrowse.asp?catID=218&FLT=|527-52845|.

More, the method for providing golf instruction as shown in FIG. 5includes: viewing a swing of a golf club with the video data providermodule 508; and downloading video data from the video data providermodule to a portable medial player module 510. For example, a user mayview a swing of a golf club with a video data provider module 508, suchas a digital video disc player such as the digital video disc system ofthe Bose Lifestyle 48 Home Entertainment System available athttp://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGEEVENT&product=ls48_dvd_index&ck=0. Similarly, the video data providermodule may include software, such as Windows Media Player 11 availableathttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/alldownloads.aspx.Further, a user may download video data from the video data providermodule 510, such as an mp3 player, or an iPOD, such as the iPOD nanoavailable at http://www.apple.com/itunes/. Similarly, the portable mediaplayer module could be any device having Bluetooth wireless connectivitytechnology found at www.bluetooth.com.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user enters a golfinstruction campus 100 to receive golf instruction. Then, the userselects a golf club and enters a first field 102. Once on the firstfield 102, the user selects a play mode of a video data provider moduleby touching a display screen 500. Next, the user views an example of agolf swing on the video data provider module 502 and listens to golfinstruction provided by an audio data provider module 504. Then, theuser swings the golf club on the first field so that a head of the golfclub swings to ankle height 302. While swinging the golf club on thefirst field 302, the user records the swing of the golf club with avideo data recorder module 506. Next, the user views the recorded swingon the video data provider module 508 in order to compare it to theexample swing, and the user downloads his or her recorded swing onto aportable media player module 510.

The user then enters a second field 104, a third field 106, a fourthfield 108, a fifth field 110, and repeats the aforementioned actionswhile swinging the golf club head to knee height 302, hip height 306,shoulder height 308, and above shoulder height 310, respectively. Next,the user enters a sixth field 126, including sand 132, swings the golfclub 312, and repeats the aforementioned actions. Finally, a user entersa seventh field 128, including a putting green, swings the golf club314, and repeats the aforementioned actions while looking at a hole fora golf ball 400, as well as with closed eyes 402.

Accordingly, the design of the golf instruction campus 100 allows theuser to advance from one field 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, 128 to thenext, with a single golf club. As the user progresses along the golfinstruction campus 100, from one field to the next, the user increasesor decreases a height of his or her swing according to a field length112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and/or field composition, such as the presenceof sand 132 and grass. This progression allows the user to determine howfar he or she can hit a golf ball with varying swing heights of a golfclub.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiment is to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, it is envisioned that the field barrier 124 could be anybarrier appreciated in the art configured to prevent objects fromcrossing from one field to an adjacent field. For example, the fieldbarrier 124 could include barriers, such as, but not limited to:netting, walls, and fences. Accordingly, the field barrier 124 couldhave different heights and/or different thicknesses.

Also, it is envisioned that the audio data provider module 200 could beany audio data provider module 200 appreciated in the art. For example,the audio data provider module 200 could include audio data providermodules such as, but not limited to: headphones; audio cassette players;compact disc players; digital video disk players; mp3 players; iPODs;cell phones; personal digital assistants; and walkie-talkies.Accordingly, the video data provider module 202 could include an audiodata provider module 200. Similarly, the audio video data providermodule 200 could provide audio data of golf instruction through wirelesscommunication.

Likewise, it is envisioned that the video data provider module 202 couldbe any video data provider module 202 appreciated in the art. Forexample, the video data provider module 202 could include video dataprovider modules such as, but not limited to: digital video diskplayers; mp3 players; iPODS; video cassette players; cell phones; andpersonal digital assistants.

More, it is envisioned that the step of downloading video data from thevideo data provider module to a portable media player module 510 couldtake place at any location appreciated in the art. For example, the stepof downloading video data from the video data provider module to aportable media player module 510 could take place at locations such as,but not limited to: a golf instruction campus 100; a field 102, 104,106, 108, 110, 126, and 128; a wellness facility 130; a home; or anoffice.

Additionally, the method for providing golf instruction could includesteps in addition to those listed in the claims. For example, althoughthe figures illustrate that the step of swinging a golf club on aseventh field including a putting green 314 includes the steps ofswinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at a hole for agolf ball 400, and swinging a golf club on a seventh field with closedeyes 402, the step of swinging a golf club on a seventh field includinga putting green 314 could also include swinging a golf club on a seventhfield while looking at the ball. Similarly, it is envisioned that thestep of viewing the swing of the golf club on the video data providermodule 508 could further include the steps of viewing the swing alone;viewing the swing superimposed on the example swing; and/or viewing theswing side-by-side with the example swing.

It is also envisioned that the wellness facility 130 could have cleanair systems with negative ions, replicating air in a rain forest or airalong the coast. In addition, the wellness facility 130 could have waterstations which provide filtered water. Further, the wellness facility130 could have a juice bar for purchase of healthy meals, energy drinks,and barley to mix with water. More, it is envisioned that the wellnessfacility 130 could provide instruction on weight management, as well asexercise classes. Additionally, the wellness facility 130 could providemassages, including magnetic massages. Finally, the wellness facility130 could supply health items for use during golf, such as: magneticinsoles; and wraps for joints, limbs, and other body parts.

In addition, it is envisioned that the payment acceptance module 210could be configured to accept different forms of payment. For example,the payment acceptance could accept: a cash payment, including coinsand/or bills; or a card, such as a credit card, debit card, membershipcard, or other account card having a magnetic strip. More, users of thegolf instruction campus 100 could have the option of prepaying for useof a video data provider module 202 at the wellness facility 130 priorto entry onto a field 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, and 128.

Further, each of the modules 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 could belocated at each of, or any of, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126,and/or 128. For example, the first field 102 may have only an audio dataprovider module 200, while the second field 104 has both an audio dataprovider module 202 and a video data provider module 202.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design ofthis invention. For example, the golf instruction campus 100 could haveany shape appreciated in the art, such as, but not limited to: circular;square; rectangular; and oblong. Similarly, the golf instruction campus100 could be any size appreciated in the art. For example, the golfinstruction campus 100 could be have an area smaller, larger, oridentical to a typical golf course.

Additionally, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, and 128 couldhave different configurations. For example, in one embodiment of theinvention, the first field 102 could be located in a center of the golfinstruction campus 100, while in another embodiment of the invention,the second field 104 could be located in the center of the golfinstruction campus 100.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the golf instructioncampus 100 may be constructed of a variety of materials. For example,the golf instruction campus could be constructed of materials, such as,but not limited to: wood; glass; plastic; textiles; and organicmaterials, such as grass, sod, and earth.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above withparticularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed tobe the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts ofthe invention as set forth in the claims.

1. A golf instruction campus for providing golf instruction, comprising:a) a first field, disposed on the campus, having a first length; b) asecond field, disposed on the campus, having a second length, wherein aratio of the of the first length over the second length is no greaterthan about 0.4 to about 0.6; c) a third field, disposed on the campus,having a third length, wherein a ratio of the second length over thethird length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4; d) a fourthfield, disposed on the campus, having a fourth length, wherein a ratioof the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4to about 0.6; and e) a fifth field, disposed on the campus, having afifth length, wherein a ratio of the fourth length over the fifth lengthis no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85; f) wherein each of thethird field, the fourth field, and the fifth field include a pluralityof distance markers, configured to mark distance.
 2. The golfinstruction campus of claim 1, further comprising: a) a field barrier,disposed on the campus, configured to prevent objects from crossing fromone field to an adjacent field.
 3. The golf instruction campus of claim2, further comprising: a) an audio data provider module, disposed on thecampus, configured to provide audio data of golf instruction.
 4. Thegolf instruction campus of claim 3, further comprising: a) a video dataprovider module, disposed on the campus, configured to provide videodata of an example golf swing.
 5. The golf instruction campus of claim4, further comprising: a) a video data recorder module, disposed on thecampus, in communication with the video data provider module, configuredto record video data of a golf swing.
 6. The golf instruction campus ofclaim 5, further comprising: a) a control module, disposed on thecampus, in communication with the video data provider module, configuredto control the video data provider module.
 7. The golf instructioncampus of claim 6, further comprising: a) a portable media playermodule, in communication with the video data provider module, configuredto play audio and video data.
 8. The golf instruction campus of claim 7,further comprising: a) a payment acceptance module, in communicationwith the video data provider module, configured to accept payment. 9.The golf instruction campus of claim 8, further comprising: a) a sixthfield, disposed on the campus, wherein the sixth field includes sand;and b) a seventh field, disposed on the campus, wherein the seventhfield includes a putting green.
 10. The golf instruction campus of claim9, further comprising: a) a wellness facility, disposed on the campus,configured to provide a facility for the provision of wellness.
 11. Amethod for providing golf instruction, comprising the following steps:a) swinging a golf club head to ankle height to hit a ball on a firstfield having a first length; b) swinging a golf club head to knee heightto hit a ball on a second field having a second length, wherein a ratioof the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4to about 0.6; c) swinging a golf club head to hip height to hit a ballon a third field having a third length, wherein a ratio of the secondlength over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4;d) swinging a golf club head to shoulder height to hit a ball on afourth field having a fourth length, wherein a ratio of the third lengthover the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; and d)swinging a golf club head to above shoulder height to hit a ball on afifth field having a fifth length, wherein a ratio of the fourth lengthover the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. 12.The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: a) listening togolf instruction provided by an audio data provider module.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising the step of: a) viewing anexample golf swing on a video data provider module.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising the steps of: a) recording a swing of agolf club with a video data recorder module; and b) viewing the swing ofthe golf club on the video data provider module.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the swing of the golf club is viewed simultaneously with theexample golf swing.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising thestep of: a) downloading video data from the video data provider moduleto a portable media player module.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising the step of: a) selecting a mode of the video data providermodule by touching a display screen of the video data provider module.18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of: a) swinginga golf club on a sixth field, wherein the sixth field includes sand. 19.The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of: a) swinging agolf club on a seventh field, wherein the seventh field includes aputting green.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein swinging a golf clubon a seventh field further comprises the steps of: a) swinging a golfclub on a seventh field while looking at a hole for a golf ball; and b)swinging a golf club on a seventh field with closed eyes.